1. It’s a manual
It sounds silly to celebrate such a basic (some might say timeless) specification on the new GTS, but it’s for good reason: after last year’s 991 Turbo, Turbo S and GT3 models were all offered with mandatory semi-automatic PDK, many thought the gearbox with a stick shift was dead. This upset purists. However, the 2015 GTS has revived the fire for the manual transmission, offering it in seven-speed form, with PDK an optional extra. This will make purists happy, both now and in the future when stick shift becomes less and less common.

2. It comes with a Powerkit as standard
Despite the word ‘Carrera’ conjuring up a rich stream of heritage for those of us with a penchant for Porsche nostalgia, these days the term is reserved for the bottom-spec 911. However, before you dismiss the new 911 Carrera GTS, remember this is the fastest Carrera you can buy, with an additional 30hp coming courtesy of a Powerkit as standard equipment. The 430hp on offer helps to bridge the gap admirably between a Carrera S and a GT3, keenly felt with the extra kick of low-down torque available here.

3. It has centre-lock wheels
Simply put: name a single sportscar with centre-lock wheels that you think ill of. Exactly.

4. It has a favourable price
£91,098 for a new 911 GTS is superb value for money. If you take a 991 Carrera S and add just the Powerkit option, you’ve already usurped the price of a 991 C2 GTS and you’ve not got half the exclusivity of the latter. What’s more, the GTS is a healthy ten grand shy of a base GT3 and you get to keep those rear seats in the back, too.

5. The 997 GTS is already revered
Complete with hydraulically-assisted power steering, a shorter wheelbase and less driver aids than the 991, the 997 GTS is seen by many as the last true ‘pure’ 911 off the Zuffenhausen production line, and values of used examples have still been holding well both at OPCs and via independent specialists as a result. Going forward, rear-axle steering could potentially be rolled out to all 911s, and there’s even small rumours of all future models becoming turbocharged, which makes this GTS with fixed rear axle and a gloriously naturally aspirated engine a surefire winner among traditionalists.